The Rural Minister does not believe in major emergency stocks

The Corona crisis has not resulted in any food shortages in Sweden, but the National Farmers' Association hopes that it will be an alarm clock for Sweden in terms of preparedness.

- I am absolutely convinced that the corona crisis will focus on preparedness and food security in Sweden. And that we will discuss the issue in a completely different way so that we can evaluate the crisis, says Palle Borgström, chairman of LRF, to SVT News.

Three years ago, the government agreed with the Moderates, the Center Party, the Left Party, the Liberals and the Christian Democrats on a food strategy until 2030.

One of the points there was that the total food production would increase to contribute to a greater degree of self-sufficiency and thus reduce the vulnerability in the food chain. That the corona crisis has shown the shortcomings in Sweden's preparedness agrees with village minister Jennie Nilsson (S).

- This issue was already identified as very important during the last term of the mandate, which is why we also added Sweden's first food strategy. The corona crisis has only reinforced that it was the right idea, she tells SVT News.

One of the lessons learned by the government during the corona crisis is the vulnerability to foreign workers in seasonal employment.

- There we need to look at how we will handle it in the future. Not only in the short term but also in the long term.

Despite the lessons learned, Jennie Nilsson (S) does not believe that Sweden will return to large contingency stocks that previously existed with cereals and preserves.

- On the other hand, we may need to have specific important input products to ensure that we can keep up production at all times regardless of crisis.

But is it not likely to go back to major emergency stocks?

- No, that's not my assessment right now.

Jennie Nilsson (S) thinks it is important to work broadly to increase food production.

- There is a huge potential to increase both food production, but also food processing and exports. One of the purposes is, of course, that we should have a higher degree of self-sufficiency and then become less vulnerable. But there is also great potential with jobs and growth throughout the country, which is why the issue is important in several ways.